Container crash turns sleeper bus into fireball near Hiriyur, 9 dead, many burnt alive

Rear-hit container sparks massive blaze on Bengaluru–Gokarna route; passengers trapped, bodies charred beyond recognition

A horrifying road tragedy unfolded in the early hours near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district, when a speeding container crashed into a sleeper bus from behind, turning the vehicle into a raging inferno and killing at least nine people. Several passengers were reportedly burnt alive as flames engulfed the bus within minutes, leaving scenes of devastation on the national highway.

The accident occurred around 2 am near Javagundanahalli-Gorlatte village stretch on the Sira-Hiriyur National Highway. The Seabird sleeper bus, which had departed Anand Rao Circle, Bengaluru at around 8:45 pm, was en route to Gokarna with over 32-33 passengers onboard.

According to available details, the container lorry, travelling towards Bengaluru, lost control, crossed the divider and rammed into the bus, hitting the diesel tank. The impact triggered a massive fire, causing the bus to burn on the road as passengers struggled to escape.

Casualties and Injuries

Police confirmed that eight bus passengers were burnt to death on the spot, while the container lorry driver also died, taking the death toll to nine. Officials have warned that the toll may rise. Several injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals and are undergoing treatment.

The condition of the bodies has made identification extremely difficult. Many victims were charred beyond recognition, prompting authorities to deploy a DNA testing team. Police also stated that three passengers are missing, and search operations are ongoing.

Passengers Identified on the Bus

Passengers travelling on the bus included:

Aniruddh Banerjee, Amrit, Isha, Surja, Manasa, Milana, Hemaraj Kumar, Kalpana Prajapati, Shashikanth M, Vijay Bhandari (Kumta), Navya, Abhishek, Kiran Pai, Keerthan M, Nandita G B, Devika H, Meghraj (Kumta), Masrathunnisa (Shivamogga), Saiyar Jameer Ghouse (Shivamogga), Gaganashree, Rashmi Mahale, Rakshita R - most of them travelling to Gokarna.

Driver and Cleaner Escape Death

The bus driver Mohammed Rafiq and cleaner Sadiq narrowly escaped death. Rafiq sustained fractures to his hand and leg, while Sadiq suffered a leg fracture after being thrown out of the bus due to the impact.

Rafiq stated that a speeding lorry approached suddenly. While attempting to avoid it, another bus appeared alongside, and moments later, the container crashed into the diesel tank. He said he had no clarity about what followed due to the intensity of the collision.

Bus cleaner Mohammed Salim, who was asleep during the journey, said the impact shattered the glass and flung him out of the bus. He escaped with injuries to his hand.

Official Confirmation

Eastern Range IGP Ravikante Gowda confirmed the details, stating that the bus was carrying 32 passengers, of whom eight died in the fire, along with the container driver. Fire and Emergency Services, district police, and rescue teams worked through the night to clear the wreckage.

CCTV and Rescue Operations

CCTV visuals from Anand Rao Circle show passengers boarding the bus before departure. Rescue operations continued till dawn as authorities battled flames, cleared debris, and searched for missing passengers.

Separate Highway Escape

In a separate incident on the same highway stretch, 40 schoolchildren travelling from Bengaluru to Dandeli escaped unhurt after their vehicle avoided a potential collision, in what officials described as a miraculous escape.

Compensation and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the tragedy and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 25, 2025